The former offices of the Southern Housing Group at Fivash House, Denne Parade, Horsham, are subject to a planning application to convert it into 13 flats.
Also in the plans being considered by Horsham District Council is a bid to reinstate 5a Denne Parade as a single dwelling house.
Both properties vacated by the housing association have been empty for five years and resident Antony Fletcher of Causeway, Horsham, has campaigned to have them used for homes throughout that time.
On hearing the news of the application being submitted he said: “About time too.
“The council said they couldn’t do anything because they only deal with domestic properties and this was registered as on office.
“Why they didn’t think a homeless person wouldn’t live there, I don’t know, but after five years, it’s about time too.”
To view the application clink on the link for the Public Access planning page on the council’s website http://www.horsham.gov.uk/environment/4580.aspx and enter the application number DC/13/0714.